Slot machine and playing method thereof

ABSTRACT

A slot machine comprises a display which is provided with plural slot game areas. A player can place a bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas to play slot games continuously. The player can enjoy plural slot games continuously without a cumbersome betting operation on each game play. Thus, an entertaining feature of the slot machine can be improved.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent Application No.2007-012415, filed on Jan. 23, 2007, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent applicationentitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as theprior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-337480, filed in Japan onDec. 14, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINEAND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese PatentApplication No. 2006-337540, filed in Japanon Dec. 14, 2006, co-pendingU.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHODTHEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No.2006-337541, filed in Japan on Dec. 14, 2006, co-pending U.S. patentapplication entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referredto as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-337556, filed inJapan on Dec. 14, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled“SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the priorJapanese Patent Application No. 2006-343150, filed in Japan on Dec. 20,2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE ANDCONTROL METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese PatentApplication No. 2007-012628, filed in Japan on Jan. 23, 2007, co-pendingU.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHODTHEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No.2007-012636, filed in Japan on Jan. 23, 2007, and co-pending U.S. patentapplication entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referredto as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-016391, filed inJapan on Jan. 26, 2007, which are assigned to the assignee of thepresent invention. The teachings of the co-pending applications areincorporated herein by reference to the extent they do not conflict withthe teaching herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a slot machine and a playing methodthereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a conventional slot machine, a plurality of reels (e.g., three reels)on which a plurality of symbols is drawn spins, respectively, when aplayer inserts a medal(s) into a medal insertion slot and then presses astart button. The reels stop automatically after a predetermined timehas elapsed. At this time, a payout is awarded to the player accordingto the number of inserted medals if a winning symbol combinationachieved on a preset payline. Alternatively, a payout is awarded to theplayer according to the number of inserted medals if a predeterminednumber of scatter symbols displayed.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine described in U.S. Pat. No.6,855,052, a plurality of wheels provided above the reels begins to spinsequentially and then stops if a preset symbol combination has displayedon the reels after the reels has stopped. A large amount payout isawarded if the stopped wheels have brought a predetermined outcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have thought that provision of a certain slotmachine is desired, with which a player can play a plurality of slotgames instead of only one slot game by one time insertion of a medal(s)as described above. The slot machine can further stimulate the desire toplay games of the player. Therefore, an object of the present inventionis to provide a slot machine and a playing method thereof capable ofimproving entertaining feature.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine whichcomprises: a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged arerearranged; a display including plural slot game areas on each of whichthe slot game is executed; and a controller. The controller is operableto: (a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each ofpredefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a betamount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player,and (b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the new bet isplaced automatically on the next slot game with the bet amount which isnot exceeds the current credit amount provided in past slot games andthe new slot game is executed on each of the predefined slot game areas.Then slot games can be executed continuously without cumbersome bettingoperations. Therefore, the player can enjoy multiple game playscontinuously without placing a bet on each game play.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to place the new betonly when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount. Thenew bet is placed with the bet amount which is not exceeds a differencebetween the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.

According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amountexceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the currentcredit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount.Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worryingthat all the credits may be lost. It is further preferable that thecontroller is operable to stop automatically placing the new bet in (a)when the current credit amount becomes equal to or smaller than thepredetermined amount.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to vary a payout rateafter the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

According to this, the payout rate is changed if the number ofcontinuous games has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the playermay be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game.Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the gamescontinuously. It is further preferable that the controller is operableto raise the payout rate.

It is preferable that the controller is further operable to notify theplayer in case that the number of times of slot games, which have beenexecuted continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times.In addition, it is also preferable that the slot machine furthercomprises an input device for accepting a terminating operation of gameplay by the player and the controller is further operable to stopplacing the new bet in (a) when the input device has accepted theterminating operation.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine whichcomprises: a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged arerearranged; a display including plural slot game areas on each of whichthe slot game is executed; and a controller. The controller is operableto: (a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each ofpredefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a betamount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player,(b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, and(c) notify the player in case that the number of times of slot games,which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predeterminednumber of times.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the new bet isplaced when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amountand is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smallerthan the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the gamescontinuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. Inaddition, if the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, the playeris notified. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number ofcontinuous games has reached the predetermined number and then thepayout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated forplaying the games continuously.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to place the new betonly when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount. Thenew bet is placed with the bet amount which is not exceeds a differencebetween the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.

According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amountexceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the currentcredit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount.Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worryingthat all the credits may be lost.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to vary a payout rateafter the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

According to this, the payout rate is changed if the number ofcontinuous games has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the playermay be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game.Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the gamescontinuously.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine whichcomprises: a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged arerearranged; a display including plural slot game areas on each of whichthe slot game is executed; an input device for accepting a terminatingoperation of game play by a player, and a controller. The controller isoperable to: (a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game oneach of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas witha bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by theplayer, (b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot gameareas, (c) notify the player in case that the number of times of slotgames, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds apredetermined number of times, and (d) stop placing the new bet in (a)when the input device has accepted the terminating operation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the new bet isplaced when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amountand is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smallerthan the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the gamescontinuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. Inaddition, if the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, the playeris notified. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number ofcontinuous games has reached the predetermined number and then thepayout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated forplaying the games continuously. Furthermore, the player can terminatecontinuous execution of the games anytime by inputting the gameterminating operation via the input device. Therefore, the player canprevent disadvantages due to placing continuous bets when the playerdoes not want to play the games continuously.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to place the new betonly when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount. Thenew bet is placed with the bet amount which is not exceeds a differencebetween the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.

According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amountexceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the currentcredit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount.Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worryingthat all the credits may be lost.

It is preferable that the controller is operable to vary a payout rateafter the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

According to this, the payout rate is varied if the number of continuousgames has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may beprovided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game.Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the gamescontinuously.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of aslot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have beenarranged are rearranged. The slot machine has plural slot game areas ona display. The slot game can be executed on each of the plural slot gameareas. The method comprising: (a) placing a new bet automatically on anext slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the pluralslot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current creditamount owned by a player, and (b) executing the new slot game on each ofthe predefined slot game areas.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the new bet isplaced automatically on the next slot game with the bet amount which isnot exceeds the current credit amount provided in past slot games andthe new slot game is executed on each of the predefined slot game areas.Then slot games can be executed continuously without cumbersome bettingoperations. Therefore, the player can enjoy multiple game playscontinuously without placing a bet on each game play.

It is preferable that the new bet is placed in (a) only when the currentcredit amount exceeds a predetermined amount, and the bet amount of thenew bet is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amountand the predetermined amount.

According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amountexceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the currentcredit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount.Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worryingthat all the credits may be lost.

It is preferable that the method further comprises (c) varying a payoutrate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

According to this, the payout rate is varied if the number of continuousgames has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may beprovided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game.Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the gamescontinuously.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of aslot machine for playing a slot game. The slot machine has plural slotgame areas on a display. The slot game can be executed on each of theplural slot game areas. The method comprising: (a) placing a new betautomatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areasamong the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceedsa current credit amount owned by a player, (b) executing the new slotgame on each of the predefined slot game areas, and (c) notifying theplayer in case that the number of times of slot games, which have beenexecuted continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the new bet isplaced when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amountand is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smallerthan the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the gamescontinuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. Inaddition, if the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, the playeris notified. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number ofcontinuous games has reached the predetermined number and then thepayout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated forplaying the games continuously.

It is preferable that the new bet is placed in (a) only when the currentcredit amount exceeds a predetermined amount, and the bet amount of thenew bet is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amountand the predetermined amount.

According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amountexceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the currentcredit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount.Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worryingthat all the credits may be lost.

It is preferable that the method further comprises (d) varying a payoutrate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

According to this, the payout rate is varied if the number of continuousgames has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may beprovided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game.Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the gamescontinuously.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of aslot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have beenarranged are rearranged. The slot machine has plural slot game areas ona display. The slot game can be executed on each of the plural slot gameareas. The method comprising: (a) placing a new bet automatically on anext slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the pluralslot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current creditamount owned by a player, (b) executing the new slot game on each of thepredefined slot game areas, (c) notifying the player in case that thenumber of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by(b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, (d) accepting aterminating operation by the player for terminating game play, and (e)stopping placing the new bet in (a) when the terminating operation hasbeen accepted.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the new bet isplaced when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amountand is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smallerthan the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the gamescontinuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. Inaddition, if the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, the playeris notified. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number ofcontinuous games has reached the predetermined number and then thepayout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated forplaying the games continuously. Furthermore, the player can terminatecontinuous execution of the games anytime by inputting the gameterminating operation via the input device. Therefore, the player canprevent disadvantages due to placing continuous bets when the playerdoes not want to play the games continuously.

It is preferable that the new bet is placed in (a) only when the currentcredit amount exceeds a predetermined amount, and the bet amount of thenew bet is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amountand the predetermined amount.

According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amountexceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the currentcredit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount.Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worryingthat all the credits may be lost.

It is preferable that the method further comprises (f) varying a payoutrate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

According to this, the payout rate is varied if the number of continuousgames has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may beprovided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game.Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the gamescontinuously.

According to the slot machine or playing method of the slot machine ofthe present invention, a player can enjoy plural slot games continuouslywithout a betting operation on each game play. Therefore, the player canconcentrate on the game without a cumbersome operation such as insertingmedal (s). As a result, the player does not lose motivation for the gamedue to interruption of the game. In addition, since the games areexecuted continuously, the player can expect a larger payout amount.Thus, an entertaining feature can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing eleven slot game areasdisplayed on a lower display in an embodiment of a slot machine of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine of the embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machineof the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (slot gameexecution processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (executionprocessing for slot games on activated areas) in the slot machine of theembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (bonus gamestarting processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (bonus gameexecution processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (area activationprocessing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (area activationprocessing [alternate example]) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (effect displayingprocessing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (game terminationprocessing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing one of the slot game areas inthe slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing paylines on the slot gamearea;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a payout table;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the slot game areas displayedon the LCD panel;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the slot game areas displayedon the LCD panel;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the slot game areas displayedon the LCD panel; and

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between betamounts and bet areas in the slot machine of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Characteristics of a first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, ten slot game areas A1 to A10 are provided on aliquid crystal display (LCD) 16 of a slot machine 10 of the presentembodiment. Hereinafter, the slot game area(s) will be referred tosimply as the “area(s)”. A slot game is executed in each of the areas A1to A10.

Display areas of three rows by three columns are provided in therespective slot game areas A1 to A10. A credit(s) is bet by an insertionof a medal(s) or pressing of a bet switch 25. Symbols displayed(arranged) in the display areas are scrolled when a start switch 27 hasbeen pressed and then the symbols stop (rearranged) in each of thedisplay areas.

In the slot game executed in each of the areas A1 to A10, up to threecredits can be bet and the number of activated paylines increases as abet amount increases in each slot game.

A bet will be placed sequentially on each of the ten areas A1 to A10after medals have been inserted into a medal insertion slot 21 or a betswitch 25 has been pressed. For example, one bet is placed on the areaA1 when the player inserts one medal into the medal insertion slot 21.And then, one more bet is placed on the slot game area A1 when thesecond medal is inserted further. However, a bet is placedpreferentially on the areas A1 to A10 on which a bonus game is beingexecuted. This will be further described in detail later with referenceto FIG. 16. Note that, a bet may be placed randomly on each of the tenareas A1 to A10 in another embodiment.

A payout (payout of a medal(s), or addition of credits) is providedaccording to a bet amount and a winning combination when the winningcombination is achieved on the payline in the slot game on each of theareas A1 to A10. Since the slot machine 10 has a configuration describedabove, plural slot games can be executed simultaneously.

In the present embodiment, the symbols are scrolled and then stoppedagain in the slot game on each of the areas A1 to A10. However, the slotgame on each of the slot game areas A1 to A10 is not limited to that inwhich the symbols are scrolled. For example, the symbols may besuccessively switched over in each of the display areas and thenstopped.

Further, in the present embodiment, a maximum bet amount is set to threeon the areas A1 to A10. However, the maximum bet amount is not limitedto this.

Next, the configuration of the slot machine 10 of the present embodimentwill be described in detail. The slot machine 10 includes a cabinet 11and a top box 12 provided on top of the cabinet 11, as shown in FIG. 2.The cabinet 11 has a main door 13. The LCD 16 is disposed on the frontof the cabinet 11 facing the player. Various component devices aredisposed within the cabinet 11, such as a controller 40 (see FIG. 3) forelectrically controlling the slot machine 10 and a hopper 44 (see FIG.3) for controlling the insertion, pooling, and payout of medals.

In the present embodiment, medals are used for gaming media at gameplay. However, gaming media is not limited to medals only. For example,coins, tokens, electronic money, or other equivalent electronic valueinformation (credits) may be also used as gaming media.

The main door 13 is attached to the cabinet 11 so that it can be openedand closed. The LCD 16 is disposed on an upper portion of the main door13. As described above, the ten slot game areas A1 to A10 are providedon the LCD 16 and independent slot games are executed on the areas A1 toA10, respectively. In the present embodiment, the number of slot gameareas is ten. However, two or more slot game areas may be provided.

Nine display areas with three rows by three columns are provided on eachof the areas A1 to A10. Various kinds of symbols can be displayed ineach of the display areas. In other words, symbols displayed (arranged)in each of the display areas are scrolled when a slot game has beenstarted and then stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined time haselapsed. Then, a payout is awarded to a player according to a symbolcombination that stops in the display areas.

A payout counter 48 for displaying a payout amount is provided in abottom left area of the LCD 16.

The medal insertion slot 21 and a bill validator 22 are disposed belowthe LCD 16. The bill validator 22 validates bills and accepts validones. Various operational switches are disposed nearby the medalinsertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22.

A cash-out switch 23, a max-bet switch 24, a bet switch 25, aspin/repeat-bet switch 26, the start switch 27 and a stop switch 31 areprovided as the operational switches.

The bet switch 25 is a switch for determining a bet amount on each slotgame on the slot game areas A1 to A10. As will be described later, eachtime the bet switch 25 is pressed, one bet is placed on a predeterminedslot game area. The slot game area on which a bet has been placed isactivated and a payout is provided to the player when a winning symbolcombination has been achieved on an activated payline in the slot game.

The spin/repeat-bet switch 26 is a switch for placing a bet againwithout changing a bet amount placed by the bet switch 25 (and themax-bet switch 24) on the previous game on each of the slot game areasA1 to A10 and starting a slot game on each of the areas A1 to A10.

The start switch 27 is a switch for starting a slot game on each of theslot game areas A1 to A10 after bets have been placed on desired slotgame areas. A slot game on each of the slot game areas A1 to A11 isstarted after a medal(s) was inserted into the medal insertion slot 21or a bet(s) was placed by the bet switch 25 and then the start switch 27has been pressed.

The stop switch 31 is an input device for being input a game terminatingoperation by a player. The game terminating operation is detected whenthe stop switch 31 has been pressed and then the games are terminated.

The cash-out switch 23 is a switch for cashing out awarded medals(internally stored credits). The medals are cashed out from a medalcash-out chute 28 opened in the front lower part of the main door 13 andpooled on a medal tray 18.

The max-bet switch 24 is a switch for betting the maximum bet amount(e.g., thirty credits) that can be placed on a single game play by onepressing.

A foot display 34 is disposed on the lower front of the main door 13.Various images relating to the game of the slot machine 10 (such ascharacters of the slot machine 10) are displayed on the foot display 34.

Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34 andilluminate in a preset illuminating pattern. The medal cash-out chute 28is provided below the foot display 34.

An upper display 33 is disposed on the front of the top box 12. Theupper display 33 has a display panel and displays a payout tableindicating each payout amount for each symbol combination etc.

Speakers 29 are provided on the top box 12. A ticket printer 35, a cardreader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are disposed below theupper display 33. The ticket printer 35 prints out a ticket 39 includingdata such as a credit amount, time and date, identification number ofthe slot machine 10 printed thereon as a bar code.

The player can play a game at another slot machine by using thebar-coded ticket 39, and exchange the bar-coded ticket 39 for bills at apredetermined site in an amusement facility (e.g., a cashier in thecasino).

The card reader 36 is a device for reading data stored in the insertedsmart card and writing data onto the smart card. The smart card iscarried by the player. The player's identification data and gaminghistory data of the games played by the player are stored in the smartcard.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electric configuration of thecontroller 40 and various components connected to the controller 40,which are provided within the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment.The controller 40 of the slot machine 10 is configured by amicrocomputer and includes interface circuits 102, an input/output (I/O)bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a signal communicationinterface (I/F) circuit 111, a random number generator (RNG) 112, aspeaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a display controlcircuit 128, and a display controller 140.

The interface circuits 102 are connected to the I/O bus 104. The I/O bus104 inputs/outputs data signals and address signals to/from the CPU 106.

The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuits 102. A startsignal output from the start switch 27 is transmitted to the CPU 106 viathe I/O bus 104, after having been converted into a predetermined signalby the interface circuits 102.

The bet switch 25, the max-bet switch 24, the spin/repeat-bet switch 26,the cash-out switch 23 and the stop switch 31 are connected to theinterface circuits 102. A switching signal output from each of theswitches 23 to 26 and 31 is transmitted to the interface circuits 102.And then, the switching signal is transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/Obus 104, after having been converted into a predetermined signal by theinterface circuits 102.

A medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuits 102. The medalsensor 43 detects a medal(s), which has been inserted into the medalinsertion slot 21. The medal sensor 43 is provided inside the medalinsertion slot 21. The detection signal output from the medal sensor 43is transmitted to the interface circuits 102. And then, the detectionsignal is transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104, after havingbeen converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuits102.

The ROM 108 storing system programs and the RAM 110 storing various dataare connected to the I/O bus 104. The RNG 112, the signal communicationI/F circuit 111, the display controller 140, the hopper drive circuit124, the speaker drive circuit 122, and the display control circuit 128are connected to the I/O bus 104.

The CPU 106, triggered by receiving the start signal from the startswitch 27, reads a game execution program and executes a game. The gameexecution program is a program for executing the slot game in each ofthe slot game areas A1 to A10 on the LCD 16 using the display controller140.

In other words, the game execution program is programmed so as toexecute a slot game in which symbols are rearranged after scrolling ineach of the areas A1 to A10 and a payout is provided when a winningcombination is achieved on an activated payline.

The signal communication I/F circuit 111, which is connected to a hallserver (not shown) etc., transmits gaming history data etc. of the slotmachine 10 to the hall server. The signal communication I/F circuit 111receives various data transmitted from the hall server.

The RNG 112 generates a random number for determining whether or not toachieve a winning combination in the slot game on each of the areas A1to A10.

The display control circuit 128 controls displaying a payout amount onthe payout counter 48 provided at the lower left area of the LCD 16.

The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the speakers 29. Inother words, the CPU 106 reads the sound data stored in the ROM 108 andtransmits the sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 via the I/Obus 104. In this manner, predetermined sound effects are generated viathe speakers 29.

The hopper drive circuit 124 outputs a cash-out signal to the hopper 44when providing a cash-out. In other words, the CPU 106 outputs a drivesignal to the hopper drive circuit 124 via the I/O bus 104 whenreceiving the cash-out signal from the cash-out switch 23. As a result,the hopper 44 cashes out medals equivalent to the credits stored at thattime in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

The display controller 140 controls displaying of the slot game on eachof the areas A1 to A10 on the LCD 16. In detail, the CPU 106 generatesan image display signal according to status and an outcome of the slotgame on each of the areas A1 to A10 and outputs the image display signalto the display controller 140 via the I/O bus 104. Upon receipt of theimage display signal, the display controller 140 generates a drivesignal of the LCD 16 based on the image display signal. And then, thedisplay controller 140 outputs the drive signal to the LCD 16. In thismanner, the slot game is executed (predetermined images are displayed)on each of the areas A1 to A10 on the LCD 16.

Next, images displayed on the slot game areas A1 to A10 are explainedwith reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a display example of the areas A1to A10.

As shown in FIG. 12, nine (three row by three column) display areas q11to q33 are provided on each of the areas A1 to A10. Symbols are scrolledin each of the columns of the display areas q11 to q33 when the slotgame is started on each of the areas A1 to A10.

Five LEDs 53 a to 53 e are provided on the left side of the displayareas q11 to q33 of each of the areas A1 to A10. The LEDs 53 a to 53 enotify the activated payline(s) on each of the areas A1 to A10. As shownin FIG. 13, five paylines are prepared on the display areas q11 to q33.A horizontal line in the middle row is L1, a horizontal line in theupper row is L2, a horizontal line in the lower row is L3, a diagonalline going down to the right is L4, and a diagonal line going up to theright is L5.

The LEDs 53 a to 53 e light up according to a bet amount. In detail,only the LED 53 a lights up when one credit is bet. The LEDs 53 b and 53c, in addition to the LED 53 a, light up when two credits are bet. TheLEDs 53 d and 53 e, in addition to the LEDs 53 a to 53 c, light up whenthree credits are bet.

It is indicated that the line L1 has been activated, when the LED 53 alights up. In addition, it is indicated that the lines L2, L3 have beenactivated, respectively, when the LEDs 53 b, 53 c light up. Furthermore,it is indicated that the lines L4, L5 have been activated, respectively,when the LEDs 53 d, 53 e light up.

Only the line L1 is activated when one credit has been bet, the linesL1, L2, and L3 are activated when two credits have been bet, and all ofthe lines L1 to L5 are activated when three credits have been bet. Then,a payout is awarded according to a winning combination(s) when thewinning combination(s) is achieved on the activated payline(s).

An activation indicating frame 51 is provided on each peripheral edge ofthe areas A1 to A10, as shown in FIG. 12. Each of the activationindicating frames 51 lights up on the LCD 16 for the activated areas A1to A10. The activation indicating frame 51 lights up on each of theareas A1 to A10 on which at least one credit is bet. It is possible fora player to easily recognize the activated slot game area(s) by theactivation indicating frame(s) 51.

A bonus game indicator 52 is provided above each of the areas A1 to A10,as shown in FIG. 12. The bonus game indicator 52 of each of the areas A1to A10 lights up on the LCD 16 during a bonus game. It is possible for aplayer to easily recognize the slot game area(s) during the bonus gameby the bonus game indicator(s) 52.

FIG. 14 shows winning combinations in the slot game. As shown in FIG.14, the bonus game is triggered on the own slot game area when three 7'sare rearranged on the activated payline. For example, the bonus game isstarted when three 7's has been rearranged on the activated payline L1shown in FIG. 12. A 15-credit payout is awarded to the player when threeAPPLEs are rearranged, a 10-credit payout is awarded when three BELLsare rearranged, and a 2-credit payout is awarded when a “CHERRY” isrearranged on the leftmost of the activated payline. Hereinafter, atable shown in FIG. 14 will be referred to as a payout table.

Next, the operation of the slot machine 10 of the present embodimentwill be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 4 to11. FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of the processingof the slot game.

First, the CPU 106 (FIG. 3) accepts a bet amount when the processing ofthe present routine is started (step S101). A player places a bet (witha desired bet amount) by pressing the bet switch 25. Alternatively, theplayer inserts a desired number of medals into the medal insertion slot21 to place a bet corresponding to the inserted medals. If a bet isplaced by pressing the bet switch 25, the CPU 106 subtracts the betamount having been input from an internally stored credit amount (stepS102). For example, if the stored credit amount is 50 credits and a30-credit bet amount is received, the stored credit amount will be 20credits.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines the area(s) to be activated amongthe ten slot game areas A1 to A10 (step S103). This processing will bedescribed later in detail with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

After area activation processing, the CPU 106 determines a payline(s) tobe activated on the activated area(s) (step S104). The payline(s) to beactivated is determined according to the bet amount, as described above.Specifically, the line L1 is activated when one credit is bet on each ofthe slot games on the areas A1 to A10, the lines L1, L2, and L3 areactivated when two credits are bet, and all of the lines L1 to L5 areactivated when three credits are bet (see FIG. 13). The activationindicating frame(s) 51 of the area(s) A1 to A10, on which a bet has beenplaced, lights up to indicate the activated area(s) to the player.

For example, when the areas A1 to A6 has been activated, the activationindicating frames 51 of the activated areas A1 to A6 are lit up, asshown in FIG. 15. On the contrary, the activation indicating frames 51of the non-activated areas A7 to A10 are not lit up. Lit-up frames aredrawn with hatchings and un-lit frames are drawn unpatterned in FIG. 15.

Although a detailed description will be given later, it is also possibleto place a bet randomly on each slot game on the areas A1 to A10. Forexample, the areas A1, A3, A6, A8 and A10 are activated randomly (a betare placed on each of these areas randomly) and then their activationindicating frames 51 are lit up, as shown in FIG. 17.

Furthermore, although a detailed description will be given later, theactivation indicating frame(s) 51 of the activated area(s) are blinkedwhen the number of the bonus games T reaches or exceeds a predeterminednumber.

After step S14 in FIG. 4, the CPU 106 determines whether or not thestart switch 27 has been pressed (step S105). The slot game is executedon each of the activated area(s) if it is determined that the startswitch 27 has been pressed (step S106).

Next, a processing procedure of the slot game executed on each of theactivated areas A1 to A10 is described with reference to FIG. 5. A slotgame in an activated slot game area A1 is described as an example.

First, the CPU 106 determines whether a bonus flag of the area A1 is “0”or “1” (step S201). The default value of the bonus flag is “0” and setto “1” when the bonus game is to be executed.

The CPU 106 determines symbols to be stopped (hereinafter, simplyreferred to as stop symbols) in each of the display areas q11 to q33 onthe area A1 when the bonus flag is “0” (step S203). By this processing,symbols (“7”, “BELL”, “APPLE”, etc.) to be displayed in each of thedisplay areas q11 to q33 are determined.

Next, the CPU 106 scrolls symbols in the display areas q11 to q33 of thearea A1 (step S204). Then, the symbols stop in each of the display areasq11 to q33 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The displayed symbolsat this time are the stop symbols determined in step S203.

Then, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a bonus trigger combination(three 7's: FIG. 14) is rearranged on any of the activated paylines(step S205). For example, it is determined whether or not the bonustrigger combination is achieved on any of the paylines L1 to L5 (FIG.13) when all of the lines L1 to L5 are activated.

Then, the CPU 106 executes bonus game starting processing (step S206)when the bonus trigger combination is achieved on any of the paylines L1to L5. The bonus game starting processing will be described later.

On the other hand, the CPU 106 determines whether or not one of winningcombinations has been achieved on any of the activated paylines (stepS207) when the bonus trigger combination has not been achieved. A payoutis awarded according to a winning combination (step S208) when thewinning combination has been achieved. On the other hand, the CPU 106does not award a payout when a winning combination has not beenachieved. And then the CPU 16 ends the slot game on the area A1. It maybe possible to cash-out a medal(s) equivalent to a payout amount throughthe cash-out chute 28 or to add a credit(s) equivalent to a payoutamount to the internally stored credits, when a payout is to be awarded.

Next, the bonus game starting processing is described with reference tothe flowchart in FIG. 6.

The bonus flag is set to “1” (step S301) when the bonus trigger isachieved in step S205 in FIG. 5. At this time, the bonus game indicator52 (FIG. 12) lights up to notify the player that the bonus game is beingexecuted on the area A1. For example, the bonus game indicator 52 of thearea A6 lights up to notify the player that the bonus game is beingexecuted on the area A6 as shown in FIG. 16.

Then, the CPU 106 determines the number of the bonus games T (stepS302). The number of games T is, for example, fifty. The number of gamesT may be fixed or determined each time randomly by the CPU 106. Thenumber of games T is stored in the RAM 110.

Next, a payout for the bonus trigger is awarded (step S303). Forexample, a 15-credit (15-medals) payout is awarded in the presentembodiment. Then, the present processing is ended.

Bonus game execution processing is executed (step S202) for the nextslot game on the area A1 after step 201 in FIG. 5, when the bonus flaghas been set to “1” in the bonus game start processing (step S301 inFIG. 6).

The bonus game execution processing is described below with reference tothe flowchart in FIG. 7. The CPU 106 executes processing for determiningstop symbols (step S401) when the bonus game execution is started. Thisprocessing is the same processing as that in step S203 in FIG. 5. Instep S401, three 7's are not rearranged on the payline, but the stopsymbols are determined so that a winning combination is achieved with ahigh probability. In other words, a winning combination (three BELLs,three APPLEs or at least one CHERRY on the leftmost in FIG. 14) isachieved on an activated payline with higher probability in the bonusgame than in the normal game.

Next, the CPU 106 scrolls the symbols in the display areas q11 to q33(step S402). This processing is the same as that in step S204 in FIG. 5.Then, the symbols stop in each of the display areas q11 to q33 after apredetermined time has elapsed. At this time, the displayed symbols arethe stop symbols determined in step S401.

Next, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a winning combination hasbeen achieved on the activated payline (step S403). A payout is awardedaccording to a winning combination (step S404) when the winningcombination has been achieved. On the other hand, the CPU 106 does notaward a payout when a winning combination has not been achieved.

Then, the CPU 106 decrements the number of games T stored in the RAM 110(step S405).

Next, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the number of games T is “0”(step S406). The bonus flag is reset to “0” when “T=0” (step S407). Inother words, the bonus flag is reset and the bonus game is ended whenthe predetermined number of bonus games has been expended.

Next, the area activation processing (step S103 in FIG. 4) is describedwith reference to a flowchart in FIG. 8 and a table in FIG. 18.

The CPU 106 first places a bet preferentially on the bonus slot game(s)(step S501) after the bet switch 25 has been pressed or a medal(s) hasbeen inserted into the medal insertion slot 21. After that, a bet isplaced sequentially on the slot game on the areas A1, A2, A3, . . . inascending order of the area numbers (step S502).

For example, when the bonus game is being played on the area A8, thefirst to third credits are bet on the bonus slot game on the area A8 asshown in FIG. 18. Then the fourth credit is bet on the slot game on thearea A1 and the fifth credit is bet on the slot game on the area A2.Then, the above procedure is repeated to place remaining first, secondand third bets. In this manner, thirty credits can be expended to placea 3-credit bet on each of the areas A1 to A10, respectively.

Note that, a bet is placed preferentially on the bonus slot game on eachof the areas when the bonus games are executed simultaneously on two ormore activated slot game areas. And then, one bet is placed sequentiallyon the normal slot game on each of the areas.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another example of the area activationprocessing. In this processing, the CPU 106 first places a betpreferentially on the bonus slot game(s) on the areas (step S601) afterthe bet switch 25 has been pressed or a medal(s) has been inserted, asin the case shown in FIG. 8. After that, a bet is placed sequentially onthe slot game on the areas in random order (step S602). At this time,the bet order for the normal slot games is determined randomly by theCPU 106 at each game play.

Description of the operation of the slot machine 10 will be continuedwith reference to FIG. 4. The CPU 106 determines whether or not theinternally stored credit amount has exceeded “100” (step S107) after thefirst execution of the slot game in step S106. In other words, the CPU106 determines whether or not a continuous execution condition of theslot games is met. Although a threshold value is set to “100” in thepresent embodiment, any value may be set as the threshold value.Alternatively, a player may also be allowed to set the threshold value.

An amount calculated by subtracting 100 from the internally storedcredit amount is determined as a bet amount for an upcoming slot game(step S108) if it is determined in step S107 that the internally storedcredit amount has exceeded “100”. For example, the bet amount iscalculated such as 130−100=30 when the internally stored credit amountis “130”.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines the area to be activated among theslot game areas A1 to A10 (step S109). This processing is same as thatin step S103. The CPU 106 determines the payline to be activated on theactivated area (step S110) after the area determination processing. Thisprocessing is same as that in step S104.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the number ofcontinuous execution of the games (hereinafter, referred to as “numberof continuous games”) Tn is equal to or larger than 50 (step S111). Inother words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a condition forchanging the payout rate is met. Although a threshold value is set to“50” in the present embodiment, any value may be set as the thresholdvalue. The number of continuous games Tn is stored in the RAM 110. Thenumber of continuous games Tn is incremented by one for each executionof the game. The initial value of the number of continuous games Tn is“0”. The number of continuous games Tn is reset to the initial valuewhen the continuous execution of the games is ended.

An effect displaying processing is executed (step S112) if the number ofcontinuous games Tn is determined to be equal to or larger than 50 instep S109. In the effect displaying processing, the CPU 106 notifies theplayer that the number of continuous games Tn is equal to or larger thanthe threshold value “50”.

Next, the procedure of the effect displaying processing will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 10. The CPU 106 specifies the activatedarea(s) determined in step S109 of FIG. 4 (step S701). And then, the CPU106 blinks the activation indicating frame 51 of the specified area(s)(step S702). As a result, the player can recognize that the area(s) withthe activation indicating frame(s) 51 blinked is activated and that thenumber of continuous games Tn reaches (or exceeds) the threshold value.In the present embodiment, the payout rate is changed as described belowwhen the number of continuous games Tn reaches the predeterminedthreshold value. Therefore, the player can recognize that the payoutrate has been changed when the activation indicating frame 51 has beenblinked.

Description of the operation of the slot machine 10 will be continuedwith reference to FIG. 4. The CPU 106 executes a payout rate changeprocessing in respect to the activated area(s) (step S113) after theeffect displaying processing in step S112. In the payout rate changeprocessing, the payout amounts of the payout table of FIG. 14 aredoubled and set as new payout amounts. For example, the payout amount ofthree BELLs on the activated payline is usually 10, but it is doubled to20 after changing. Here, a bonus game is started as usual by three 7'son the activated payline.

The CPU 106 increments the number of continuous games Tn stored in theRAM 110 to “Tn+1” (step S114) after the payout rate change processing instep S113. Note that, the processing flow proceeds to step S114 withoutexecuting the effect displaying processing and the payout rate changeprocessing if the number of continuous games Tn does not reach 50 instep S111.

Subsequently, the CPU 106 returns the processing back to step S106 andexecutes the slot game on the area(s) which was activated in step S109.Thus, the slot games are executed continuously without determiningwhether or not the start switch 27 is pressed if the processing flowreturns from step S114 to step S106.

On the other hand, the CPU 106 executes a reset processing (step S115)if it is determined in step S107 that the internally stored creditamount is equal to or smaller than “100”. Here, blinking of the activearea indicating frame(s) 51, change of the payout rate, and the numberof continuous games Tn are all reset. Specifically, the active areaindicating frame(s) 51 is turned off. The payout rate is reset to normalshown in FIG. 14. The number of continuous games Tn is reset to theinitial value “0”. The present processing is terminated (returned tostep S101) after the reset processing.

Next, a game termination processing will be described with reference tothe flow chart shown in FIG. 11. While the slot game executionprocessing of FIG. 4 is being executed, the CPU 106 continuouslymonitors whether or not the stop switch 31 is pressed (step S801). Inother words, the CPU 106 continuously monitors whether or not a gameterminating operation is detected. If it is determined that the gameterminating operation is detected (step S801: YES), the CPU 106determines whether or not the slot game has already completed (stepS802). In other words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the slotgame is being executed. If the slot game has not completed, processingof step S802 is repeated until the slot game has been completed. If itis determined that the slot game has already completed, the CPU 106executes a reset processing same as that in step S115 in FIG. 4 and apayout processing (step S803). The present processing is ended afterstep S803.

According to the above-mentioned slot game execution processing, theplayer can play plural slot games simultaneously by placing a bet with apredetermined bet amount. And then, if the internally stored creditamount exceeds “100”, a bet with a bet amount corresponding to surplusof the credit is placed automatically. In addition, the slot games areexecuted continuously until the internally stored credit amount becomesequal to or smaller than “100”. Furthermore, if the number of continuousgames Tn becomes reaches “50”, the activation indicating frame 51 blinksas a visual effect and the payout rate change processing is executed.The payout rate change processing provides the player with a payouttwice as much as a normal payout. The continuous execution of the slotgames is terminated when the internally stored credit amount becomesequal to or smaller than “100”. A bet must be placed by inserting amedal(s) or pressing the bet switch 25 for each single game after thecontinuous execution of the games has been terminated. However, if theinternally stored credit amount exceeds “100” again, the slot games areexecuted continuously. If the player wants to forcibly terminate thecontinuous execution of the slot games, the player can terminate thecontinuous execution by pressing the stop switch 31.

According to the slot machine or playing method of the slot machine ofthe present embodiment as described above, since plural slot game areasare provided, plural slot games can be simultaneously played with asingle bet operation. In addition, since the slot games are continuouslyexecuted within a limit of the credit amount owned by the player, theplayer can enjoy multiple game plays continuously without placing a beton each game play. As a result, since the player is not interrupted by acumbersome operation such as inserting medal(s), the player canconcentrate on the game without losing motivation for the game.Furthermore, since the games are executed continuously, the player canexpect a larger payout amount. Therefore, an entertaining feature can befurther enhanced.

In addition, according to the slot machine or playing method of the slotmachine of the present embodiment, a bet is placed automatically withina limit of the credit amount owned by the player if the credit amountowned by the player exceeds a predetermined amount. No bet will beplaced automatically if the credit amount owned by the player is equalto or less than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can playthe games continuously without worrying that all the credits may belost.

In addition, according to the slot machine or playing method of the slotmachine of the present embodiment, the payout rate is changed if thenumber of continuous games has reached a predetermined number. Thus, theplayer may be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing thegame. Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing thegames continuously.

In addition, according to the slot machine or playing method of the slotmachine of the present embodiment, if the number of continuous games hasreached a predetermined number, the player is notified by a visualeffect. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number ofcontinuous games has reached the predetermined number and then thepayout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated forplaying the games continuously.

Furthermore, according to the slot machine or playing method of the slotmachine of the present embodiment, continuous execution of the games isterminated by the player's game terminating operation via the inputdevice. Thus, the player can prevent disadvantages due to placingcontinuous bets when the player does not want to play the gamescontinuously.

The slot machine or playing method of the slot machine of the presentinvention has thus been described as above based on the illustratedembodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the aboveembodiment. Arrangements of respective components of the presentinvention can be replaced by any components having similarfunctionalities.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the slot game isexecuted only on the activated area(s) in a single game play. However,the slot game may be executed in all of the slot game areas includingnon-activated area (s). In this case, in respect to the non-activatedslot game area(s), no payout is awarded even if a winning combination isachieved and a trigger combination does not cause a trigger of the bonusgame.

Additionally, in the above-mentioned embodiment, ten slot game areas A1to A10 are provided on the LCD 16 to display symbols. However, each ofthe slot game areas A1 to A10 may be composed of mechanical spinningreels. In this case, three spinning reels are provided for each of theslot game areas A1 to A10.

Also in the above-mentioned embodiment, the condition for continuouslyexecuting the slot games is that the credit amount owned by the playerhas exceeded a predetermined amount. However, a predetermined bet amountmay be set regardless of the credit amount owned by the player. In thiscase, continuous execution of the games is canceled when the creditamount owned by the player become equal to or less than thepredetermined bet amount.

Additionally, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the player is notifiedthat the number of continuous games is equal to or larger than apredetermined number with the activation indicating frame 51 blinked.However, special characters or messages to notify the player may bedisplayed on the LCD 16.

1. A slot machine comprising: a slot game in which symbols which havebeen arranged are rearranged; a display including plural slot game areason each of which the slot game is executed; and a controller operableto: (a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each ofpredefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a betamount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player,and (b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas.2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller isoperable to place the new bet only when the current credit amountexceeds a predetermined amount, wherein the new bet is placed with thebet amount which is not exceeds a difference between the current creditamount and the predetermined amount.
 3. The slot machine according toclaim 2, wherein the controller is operable to stop automaticallyplacing the new bet in (a) when the current credit amount becomes equalto or smaller than the predetermined amount.
 4. The slot machineaccording to claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to vary apayout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have beenexecuted continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the controller isoperable to raise the payout rate.
 6. The slot machine according toclaim 1, wherein the controller is further operable to notify the playerin case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executedcontinuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times.
 7. Theslot machine according to claim 6, further comprising an input devicefor accepting a terminating operation of game play by the player,wherein the controller is further operable to stop placing the new betin (a) when the input device has accepted the terminating operation. 8.A slot machine comprising: a slot game in which symbols which have beenarranged are rearranged; a display including plural slot game areas oneach of which the slot game is executed; and a controller operable to:(a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each ofpredefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a betamount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player,(b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, and(c) notify the player in case that the number of times of slot games,which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predeterminednumber of times.
 9. The slot machine according to claim 8, wherein thecontroller is operable to place the new bet only when the current creditamount exceeds a predetermined amount, wherein the new bet is placedwith the bet amount which is not exceeds a difference between thecurrent credit amount and the predetermined amount.
 10. The slot machineaccording to claim 8, wherein the controller is operable to vary apayout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have beenexecuted continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.11. A slot machine comprising: a slot game in which symbols which havebeen arranged are rearranged; a display including plural slot game areason each of which the slot game is executed; an input device foraccepting a terminating operation of game play by a player, and acontroller operable to: (a) place a new bet automatically on a next slotgame on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot gameareas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amountowned by the player, (b) execute a slot game on each of the predefinedslot game areas, (c) notify the player in case that the number of timesof slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds apredetermined number of times, and (d) stop placing the new bet in (a)when the input device has accepted the terminating operation.
 12. Theslot machine according to claim 11, wherein the controller is operableto place the new bet only when the current credit amount exceeds apredetermined amount, wherein the new bet is placed with the bet amountwhich is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount andthe predetermined amount.
 13. The slot machine according to claim 11,wherein the controller is operable to vary a payout rate after thenumber of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by(b), reaches a predetermined number of times.
 14. A playing method of aslot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have beenarranged are rearranged, the method comprising: (a) placing a new betautomatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areasamong plural slot game areas provided on a display with a bet amountwhich is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, and (b)executing the new slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas.15. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 14, whereinthe new bet is placed in (a) only when the current credit amount exceedsa predetermined amount, and the bet amount of the new bet is not exceedsa difference between the current credit amount and the predeterminedamount.
 16. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 14,further comprising: (c) varying a payout rate after the number of timesof slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches apredetermined number of times.
 17. A playing method of a slot machinefor playing a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged arerearranged, the method comprising: (a) placing a new bet automaticallyon a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among pluralslot game areas provided on a display with a bet amount which is notexceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, (b) executing the newslot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, and (c) notifyingthe player in case that the number of times of slot games, which havebeen executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number oftimes.
 18. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 17,wherein the new bet is placed in (a) only when the current credit amountexceeds a predetermined amount, and the bet amount of the new bet is notexceeds a difference between the current credit amount and thepredetermined amount.
 19. The playing method of a slot machine accordingto claim 17, further comprising: (d) varying a payout rate after thenumber of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by(b), reaches a predetermined number of times.
 20. A playing method of aslot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have beenarranged are rearranged, the method comprising: (a) placing a new betautomatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areasamong plural slot game areas provided on a display with a bet amountwhich is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, (b)executing the new slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas,(c) notifying the player in case that the number of times of slot games,which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predeterminednumber of times, (d) accepting a terminating operation by the player forterminating game play, and (e) stopping placing the new bet in (a) whenthe terminating operation has been accepted.
 21. The playing method of aslot machine according to claim 17, wherein the new bet is placed in (a)only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount, andthe bet amount of the new bet is not exceeds a difference between thecurrent credit amount and the predetermined amount.
 22. The playingmethod of a slot machine according to claim 17, further comprising: (f)varying a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, whichhave been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined numberof times.